From our perspective, we are not terrestrial beings. Our roots are not designed for well-draining, aerated soil that dries out between rains. We are aquatic plants, and our entire physiology is built for a life in water. Our rhizomes, the thick stems from which we grow, must be submerged. They are our heart and our pantry, storing the energy we need to produce our magnificent blooms and lush pads. If our rhizome dries out, even for a short period, it is a catastrophic event from which we may not recover. Therefore, the concept of "watering" for us is fundamentally different than for a rose bush or a tomato plant. It is about maintaining our aquatic environment.
For those of you growing us in containers within a pond, the answer is simple: our crown should always be covered by 6 to 18 inches of water. The water *is* our environment. You do not "water" us in the traditional sense; you ensure our pond or water feature maintains its water level. Evaporation, especially during hot American summers, is our primary concern. Please check our water level frequently. If it drops more than a few inches below our crown, our rhizome is in danger of being exposed to the drying air and sun, which is immensely stressful and fatal.
Some of you grow us in containers on a patio or deck. This is acceptable, but it requires diligent care. Our pot must never, ever have a drainage hole. We require a sealed container that holds water. After planting us in heavy loam soil, you will fill the container with water until it is about 2 inches from the rim. Our job is to then grow and quickly cover the water surface with our pads, which helps reduce evaporation. Your job is to monitor the water level daily. In peak heat, you will need to add water frequently—perhaps every other day—to maintain the level. The goal is constant saturation. Allowing the container to become half-empty and then refilling it is like subjecting us to a repeated cycle of drought and flood, which weakens us and inhibits our flowering.
Our water needs are not static throughout the growing season. In early spring, as we break dormancy and send out our first pads, our water consumption is moderate. Maintain the standard water level. During the intense heat of summer, our metabolic processes are at their peak. We are producing large pads and spectacular flowers, and evaporation is highest. This is when we are most thirsty, and you must be most vigilant about maintaining our water levels. As autumn approaches and our growth slows, preparing for dormancy, our need for water decreases. For hardy lilies in cold climates, you may lower our pots in the pond to below the freeze line for winter, ensuring we remain in water and are protected from ice.
